Looking for relief for severely swollen calves.

Posted by waterloobob @waterloobob, May 25 6:59am

My calves are as hard as rocks. The itching is borderline unbearable. So I'm wondering if anyone has discovered an effective solution to this? Thanks

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 25 7:40am

Hello @waterloobob, In one of your earlier posts you mentioned having diabetic neuropathy. It sounds like the swelling in the calves might be related to having diabetes. You might find the following article helpful.
-- 10 Tips to Treat Swollen Feet from Diabetes: https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-swollen-feet.

I think @artscaping has mentioned Dermeleve cream helped with the terrible itching in arms and legs and may have other suggestions as well. Have you discussed the swollen calves and itching with your doctor? Did they have any suggestions for treatment?

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 26 8:48am

@waterloobob
It sounds like a combination of diabetes, neuropathy, muscle and vascular spasms, fluid retention. I have read about endothelial and microvascular dysfunction. Have you tried elevating your legs above your heart level and compression socks that go up to the thigh (those that only go to upper calf/knee may cut off blood flow or press on nerves behind knee)?

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | May 26 8:53am

@waterloobob
Have you tried ankle pump exercises to increase blood flow?

https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-swollen-feet

dckuke | @dckuke | May 26 9:34am

My advice..see your doctor. I have diabetes and neuropathy and experienced those symptoms. Suddenly, lymphatic fluid began squirting from my leg when I put socks on or put pressure on it. Treatment has been dietary changes and medication.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | May 26 1:51pm

Bob, until you know why your calves are swollen we are just throwing spaghetti against the wall. There are too many possibilities and solutions from very serious ones to others that are age related. Give us a hint as to what you’ve been diagnosed with possibly?

1kay2 | @1kay2 | May 26 3:47pm

I don't know about the itching but for swollen calves I raise my feet as much as possible and always sleep with my feet on a pillow. God bless you.

waterloobob | @waterloobob | May 27 6:13am

In reply to @jenatsky "Bob, until you know why your calves are swollen we are just throwing spaghetti against the..." + (show)

diabetic peripheral neuropathy

artemis1886 | @artemis1886 | May 27 8:19am

Compression hose or socks. I get a prescription for them. My insurance allow 12 pair a year paid for by insurance.

proteusx | @proteusx | May 27 8:59am

Try Butcher’s Broom or pycnogenol two or three times daily. Give them a couple weeks to start working. Addresses venous insufficiency which may be a significant component of your problem. Exercise as much as you can. Consider massage/ acupuncture.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | May 27 9:11am

In reply to @waterloobob "diabetic peripheral neuropathy" + (show)

Here is a site that covers them all with some ideas you may have not tried. Not a good situation to be in. I’ve got PN but non-DM.
https://ucfhealth.com/our-services/endocrinology/diabetes-and-leg-swelling/